Slow 2.4ghz AXE-11000, Upgrade to RT-BE96U?

[Sparkie]

I had an AXE-11000 that felt laggy using the 2.4ghz radio. Since it has been running for months, I thought it just needed a reboot. Before rebooting the AXE, I updated the firmware to Merlin's latest version. After the update, I did a factory reset. On 2.4ghz, the internet still felt slow and sluggish. Speed tests taken on the 5ghz and 6ghz, with both around 500mbs, were 10x faster than the 50mbs of the 2.4ghz. I tried moving my phone within 10 feet of the AXE and the 2.4ghz speed was 100mbs. In an attempt to trouble shoot, I changed the id of the 2.4ghz wifi. The only device on the AXE 2.4ghz was my cell phone. The same used for the other speed tests. Again, I tested the 2.4ghz both away and near the AXE. The away speed was 75mbs and the near speed was still around 100mbs.

The 2.4ghz has never felt laggy until recently, and I seem to remember faster speeds. Is 50 to 100mbs something that is normal and should be expected? Is there a potential problem with the AXE? Almost forgot, the 6ghz only works when very close to the AXE, but I assume this is normal.

I thought about buying a RT-BE96U to see if the speeds increase. Would it offer any benefit over the AXE besides Wifi 7?

 

[degrub]

What are the Tx power setttings for each radio ? Performance ?
If you have a new power brick that will supply the rated current and voltage to the router, you might try replacing the power brick. Does the power brick feel warm, hot, or cool ?

Did you have any electrical events recently ? lightning strike nearby ?

 

[Tech9]

Is 50 to 100mbs something that is normal and should be expected?

Normal and expected when the radio is set to IoT compatibility (AX disabled) and to common 2-stream N client.

Would it offer any benefit over the AXE besides Wifi 7?

No. This 2.4GHz radio is used for extended range and backward compatibility. The throughput is technology limited.

 

[Sparkie]

What are the Tx power setttings for each radio ? Performance ?
If you have a new power brick that will supply the rated current and voltage to the router, you might try replacing the power brick. Does the power brick feel warm, hot, or cool ?

Did you have any electrical events recently ? lightning strike nearby ?

The power settings were set to the maximum performance level. The brick felt cool. Also, the AXE is on a battery backup.

 

[Sparkie]

Normal and expected when the radio is set to IoT compatibility (AX disabled) and to common 2-stream N client.



No. This 2.4GHz radio is used for extended range and backward compatibility. The throughput is technology limited.

Thanks for taking time to explain this. It sounds like everything is working normally.

 

[degrub]

Are the ranges (distance at a specific signal power level, say -65dB ) on the 2.4 GHz the same as originally ?

 

[Sparkie]

I don't remember the original power levels before the issues. Today, at a location that was lagging has a level of -52db. This location is now testing at 75mbps instead of 50mbs, and the internet is much better. The signal strength of the 2.4 has always been good.

The AXE is kept in a closet with a window that catches some heat. Could a rise in temperature be causing the issue?

 

[degrub]

heat is the bane of electronics. direct sunlight on it is even worse. putting a radio in a slightly RF permeable box wastes a lot of energy. You likely need ventilation in that closet/cabinet. At least a big hole between the door and the floor and a little bit larger hole at the top of the closet wall to let the heat out. put infrared blocking film on the outside of the window if you can. anything blocking sunlight on the inside just re-radiates the infrared (heat) into the closet warming the air. It might be ok compromise to cover the inside of the window to block the light and then install a small DC fan at the top vent hole. Doesn't take much, just have to get air moving.

Those are very strong signal levels.